Washington Freedom clinched a crucial 12-run victory over the previously unbeaten San Francisco Unicorns in a thrilling encounter of the third season of Cognizant Major League Cricket (MLC), with all-rounder Mitchell Owen producing a game-defining performance with the ball.
Chasing a target of 170 at Grand Prairie Stadium, the Unicorns appeared to be in control at 97/2, thanks to yet another impressive innings from skipper Matthew Short, who notched his fourth consecutive half-century. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Glenn Maxwell introduced Owen in the 11th over. The young pacer, using clever variations, immediately delivered by removing the well-set Short, who mistimed a shot that landed safely in Jack Edwards’ hands.
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That breakthrough proved pivotal as it triggered a collapse, with the Unicorns losing seven wickets for just 60 runs. Owen returned to grab two wickets in a single over — dismissing Hassan Khan and Romario Shepherd — before sealing his five-wicket haul in the closing stages. His final figures of 5 for 17 marked only the third five-for in MLC history, sealing the win and securing Washington Freedom a spot in the Playoffs.
Earlier, it was far from an ideal start for Washington Freedom after being sent in to bat. Xavier Bartlett tore through the top order, claiming three wickets in his opening spell and reducing the Freedom to 13/3 within the first three overs. Haris Rauf added further pressure by dismissing Glenn Maxwell, leaving the score at 30/4.
Despite the early collapse, Glenn Phillips and Jack Edwards anchored the innings with a 71-run partnership. Phillips top-scored with a composed 58 off 39 balls, while Edwards chipped in with 42. In the death overs, Obus Pienaar’s unbeaten 30 off just 12 deliveries, along with a quickfire 17* from Mukhtar Ahmed, pushed the total to a competitive 169/6.
San Francisco’s response began positively, but Owen’s timely intervention dismantled their middle order. Ian Holland and Amila Aponso also chipped in with crucial wickets, while Sanjay Krishnamurthi (24) and Jahmar Hamilton (31*) offered late resistance that ultimately fell short.
Owen was named Player of the Match for his exceptional spell that turned the game on its head and booked Freedom’s place in the Playoffs.
The action now moves to Florida, where San Francisco Unicorns will take on Seattle Orcas on Tuesday, while Washington Freedom face Texas Super Kings on Wednesday.
Match Summary:
- Washington Freedom 169/6 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 58, Jack Edwards 42, Obus Pienaar 30*; Xavier Bartlett 4/32)
- San Francisco Unicorns 157/9 in 20 overs (Matthew Short 67, Jahmar Hamilton 31*; Mitchell Owen 5/17, Ian Holland 1/23)
- Result: Washington Freedom won by 12 runs
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